Domaine de Bellene

History and Terroir

Domaine de Bellene story begins with Nicolas Potel, son of the late Gérard Potel of Domaine de la Pousse d’Or. After gaining extensive experience in Burgundy and abroad — from Moss Wood in Australia to Georges Roumier in Chambolle-Musigny, Nicolas returned to Burgundy and forged his own path. Following the sale of his first label, he founded Domaine de Bellene in 2005, acquiring old-vine plots across the Côte d’Or, including Beaune, Volnay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, and more recently, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. In 2008, he launched Maison Roche de Bellene, a négociant label focused on single-vineyard expressions from responsibly farmed old vines. The name “Bellene” is a tribute to Beaune’s ancient roots, first called Bellena by the Romans a nudge to the connection to Burgundy’s long history. With a keen eye for site selection and sustainable sourcing, the estate offering covers some of the top sites in the region, including Clos de la Roche, Clos de Vougeot, Montrachet, and Chambertin, many from 40+ year-old vines and revered Premier Cru parcels. His three children, Alphonse, Antonia and Émilien, are continuing the legacy set up by their father at this already sought-after Estate.

Farming and Winemaking

At Roche de Bellene, the philosophy is simple yet uncompromising: let each wine express its terroir honestly and with precision. Nicolas Potel works exclusively with growers practicing organic or lutte raisonnée viticulture. These trusted relationships allow him to collaborate closely on vineyard practices, harvest timing, and quality control. In the cellar, the approach is minimalist. Grapes are hand-picked, partially destemmed, and gently pressed in vertical basket presses. Fermentation is natural, with indigenous yeasts and no enzymes or additives. The wines are aged in 500L French oak barrels, with élevage conducted on fine lees to enhance texture and depth. Sulfur use is minimal, and wines are bottled with care, unfined and unfiltered when possible. In addition to current vintages, the label also features Collection Bellenum, a curated range of library releases sourced from top domaines across Burgundy — rare wines selected for their pedigree and ageing potential. With a focus on terroir, sustainability, and old vines, Maison Roche de Bellene represents the thoughtful evolution of Burgundy: rooted in tradition, yet entirely modern in its expression.